News from the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota.

United Tribes Technical College has received accreditation to offer three additional associate degree programs online, expanding the college online degrees to five. The new online degree programs are Health Information Technology, Elementary Education and Nutrition and Food Service.

�The training provided in these areas is critically needed in Indian Country,� said UTTC President David M. Gipp. �We know that it�s unrealistic to expect working people to quit and go to school. Online programs allow them to continue working as they gain access to training that allows them to grow in their job skills and contribute more effectively in their communities.�

UTTC became the first tribal college in the nation to receive accreditation for online degrees one year ago when it received approval for its Early Childhood Education and Injury Prevention programs.

UTTC online courses and programs have evolved specifically to meet the needs of tribal students, said Phil Baird, Dean of Vocational and Academic Programs. The college declined the use of pre-packaged online programs and coursework and designed its own technology platform for both academic instruction and student support services.

�We believe UTTC�s programs are credible because our online coursework and platform were developed from a teacher�s perspective,� Baird said. �We felt it was very important that our IT systems and courses meet both the needs of our students and the standards expected of higher education institutions in the country.�

The Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools granted approval for the new programs December 6. The Chicago based organization has accredited UTTC through the year 2011.

UTTC offers 17 Associate of Applied Science programs and eleven certificate programs, and maintains a branch campus at the Owens Valley Career Development Center, Bishop, CA.

Relevant Links:
United Tribes Technical College - http://www.unitedtribestech.com

Related Stories:
Funds restored to United Tribes Technical College (11/24)
Miss Indian Nations crowned at United Tribes powwow (09/13)
Tribal college graduate overcomes adversity (05/06)
United Tribes Technical College names Student of Year (05/05)
Editorial: Norton's shabby treatment of UTTC (02/20)
Bush cuts funds, again, for N.D. tribal college (02/04)
House panel restores funds to N.D. tribal college (06/25)
Norton says trust forced 'tough choices' in budget (02/12)
Bush budget cuts funds at tribal college (02/04)
Norton pressed on Indian funds (6/14)
Norton promises to visit tribal college (06/14)
Doing more with less at the BIA (3/26)
BIA cuts to schools questioned (3/15)